Cutting down on fossil fuels is a good thing, but there’s a lot more to consider when purchasing an electric, hybrid or plug-in hybrid car.

Electric vehicles currently come in three basic forms including battery electric vehicle (EV) that runs on battery power alone and hybrid that uses a conventional engine to top up batteries and provide extra grunt when needed.

As well as choosing the kind of car you need it’s crucial to consider the kind of driving you’re most likely to do.

BATTERY ELECTRIC VEHICLE

There aren’t that many production EVs available in Australia, with a limited and eclectic range that includes the BMW i3, Nissan Leaf and Tesla Model S. You’re more likely to choose between one of them and a hybrid option, rather than between the three.

Advantages:

Good performance due to the high torque of the electric motors. The Tesla Model S P100D can beat a Lamborghini Aventador in a 0-100km/h sprint though this is at the pinnacle of current EV technology

They’re quiet

They’re cheaper to operate

You can ‘fill it up’ at home thus avoiding service stations and the temptation to buy three chocolate bars for the price of two.

No emissions while you drive

Depending on the price of the car the zero emissions means you save plenty on luxury car tax.

Disadvantages:

Limited range compared to petrol, diesel and hybrid-powered cars. Range varies between 134km for the Leaf up to 499kms for the latest (and most expensive) Tesla Model S.

Charge time takes much longer than filling up with fuel. Even a quick boost that partially charges will take at least 20 minutes. In most cases it will take hours to charge your battery.

These cars aren’t cheap and there aren’t many choices

Australia has few incentives or subsidies to justify the extra cost

Few public charging stations means you may need to purchase an expensive home charger for faster charging

EV options:

BMW i3 ($63,900-$65,900)

Nissan Leaf ($39,990)

Tesla Model S ($114,100 -$254,159)

HYBRIDS/PLUG-IN HYBRID VEHICLES

While the Toyota Prius is the most known hybrid, many manufacturers have dual-powered versions of popular models in their line ups ranging from small cars to large SUVs. While most are in the luxury bracket, there are a few hybrid options of popular Japanese models.

Advantages

Longer range than conventional cars

Excellent fuel economy over conventional cars of comparative size

Unlike petrol and diesel powered cars, hybrids are more efficient when driving slow or stopping and starting, making them great for city driving.

More power at low speed than normal petrol driven cars because of electric motor’s high torque

Batteries can also be charged by regenerative braking, which captures energy produced when stopping.

Nice quiet ride even with the petrol engine engaged, as it’s usually smaller than engines in petrol only cars

Reduced fuel dependence while not being limited by having to charge it for long periods of time

Growing choice of hybrids on the Australian market, many of which are variants of established models

Depending on the price of the car the zero emissions means you save plenty on luxury car tax.

Disadvantages

Fuel economy not as good over longer distances to the point where the hybrid will drink more than conventional engines, particularly diesel.

General performance, beyond 50km/h not usually as good and the battery weight and weight distribution can affect handling

Purchase cost of hybrids is much more than conventional models

Compared to conventional cars you’re limited to where you can get the car serviced or repaired

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